Accra: Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, has announced that biometric verification of the Ghana Card is now the mandatory standard for identity verification across the nation. This new requirement, introduced under the National Identity Register (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), replaces the previous practices of visual inspection and photocopying of the card for authentication purposes.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister emphasized at a press briefing in Accra that the move aims to safeguard citizens' personal data, enhance the integrity of the national identification system, and curb identity-related crimes, including mobile money fraud. The Legislative Instrument (L.I. 2523) was signed on March 2, 2026, under the powers conferred by the National Identification Register Act, 2008 (Act 750), and came into force on June 9, 2026, following the necessary parliamentary procedures.
The amendment revises the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2111), eliminating the reliance on visual inspection, photocopies, or scanned images of the Ghana Card, and replacing these with biometric authentication. The Minister highlighted the risks associated with the old practices, emphasizing how easily a photocopy could be altered or misused.
Biometric verification involves authenticating an individual's identity at the point of transaction by matching fingerprints or other approved biometric data with records in the National Identity Register or through match-on-card verification using devices approved by the National Identification Authority (NIA). Organizations conducting transactions specified under Regulation Seven of L.I. 2111 must now verify identities biometrically and are prohibited from using photocopies for verification.
The regulations also prohibit the use of non-approved biometric methods. Individuals confirming another's identity in private or informal transactions are encouraged to use biometric verification where possible and are advised against retaining or sharing Ghana Card data without consent.
Non-compliance with the regulations will incur significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, suspension or termination of an institution's access to the NIA Identity Verification System, and possible withdrawal of business licenses. The NIA will establish compliance and enforcement teams to monitor adherence and work with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance.
To support implementation, the NIA has published technical specifications for approved biometric devices and portable card readers on its website. Institutions such as banks, telecom companies, and government agencies are urged to begin the onboarding process immediately, with a three-month transition period provided to facilitate system integration and staff training.
Alhaji Muntaka also revealed a collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations to link SIM registration directly to the National Identity Register. This system will notify individuals of any attempts to register a SIM card using their Ghana Card details, allowing them to approve or reject the registration.
Mr. Wisdom Yayra Koku Deku, Executive Secretary of the NIA, announced nationwide public education campaigns to inform citizens and institutions about the new legal requirements. He reiterated that visual inspection and photocopying are no longer lawful methods of identity verification.
The NIA, along with law enforcement agencies, will ensure full compliance after the November 2 deadline, with a dedicated biometric enforcement team inspecting institutions for adherence to the regulations. Violations will be addressed promptly to protect the integrity of Ghana's identity management system.